Black Cats v Spurs - The Low Down!

28 December 2012 02:36

TEAM NEWSSunderland are without Spurs loanee left-back Danny Rose, who is ineligible to face his parent club.

Phil Bardsley came on for Rose in Saturday's win against Manchester City, and is likely to replace him.

Tottenham's Clint Dempsey and Tom Huddlestone could return from their respective groin and knee injuries.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto may make his long-awaited comeback from a knee injury while Scott Parker could also make his first start of the season.

MATCH FACTS•Tottenham have only one won of their last seven league games at Sunderland (W1, D3, L3). •The Black Cats failed to score in both of last season's encounters with Spurs. •The Wearsiders have won three of their last four league games, keeping clean sheets in each of those victories. •They have only gained one point from losing positions this season - the joint-worst record in the division. •Victory would give Sunderland three successive home wins, a feat they last managed in February 2012 following victories against Manchester City, Swansea and Norwich. •Opta statistics show that the Black Cats have blocked more shots (91) than any other Premier League team this term. •Spurs' 4-0 win at Aston Villa was their biggest victory under Andre Villas-Boas, and their largest winning margin since a 5-0 victory against Newcastle in February. •Gareth Bale has nine league goals this season, equalling his best tally in a Premier League campaign. •Sandro has made 74 interceptions in this season's Premier League, more than any other player.